Urban Resource Institute, BBVA Team Up to Help Survivors of Domestic Violence Overcome Economic Abuse

Urban Resource Institute, BBVA Team Up to Help Survivors of Domestic Violence
Overcome Economic Abuse
-- Ribbon-cutting celebration marks the opening of a new computer lab to
promote financial literacy and self-sufficiency for domestic violence
survivors
-- BBVA New York donated 100 computers to URI for the computer lab, while the
BBVA Compass Foundation donated $20,000
PR Newswire
NEW YORK, July 8, 2014
NEW YORK, July 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban Resource Institute (URI) and BBVA
celebrated the opening today of a new computer lab at one of URI's busiest
domestic violence shelters, with the global financial services firm supporting
URI's pioneering effort to eradicate economic abuse, which affects 98 percent
of domestic violence survivors.
BBVA New York donated 100 computers to the lab while the BBVA Compass
Foundation, the charitable arm of BBVA's U.S. franchise, gave a $20,000 gift.
Both donations were announced today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the
lab, which is designed to be a safe and motivational space for survivors to
gain job-training skills and other resources to establish their financial
security.
"We're in the business of building a better future for people — and there are
few things more rewarding than lending your expertise and your resources to
truly empower people," said BBVA Compass Director of Corporate Responsibility
and Reputation Reymundo Ocanas. "URI's approach to combating domestic violence
spoke to us and our spirit as innovators. It opened the first shelter in New
York where victims could bring their pets, for instance, a very meaningful
thing for people whose lives have been turned upside down. We knew we had
something to contribute to URI's holistic approach to the problem, and that's
the ability to zero in on the issue of economic abuse."
BBVA Compass, through its partnership with leading education technology firm
EverFi, also will bring the Web-based financial literacy program for adults,
EverFi@Work, to URI.
"For many domestic violence victims, the damage wrought by economic abuse —
which can result in ruined credit scores, identity or property theft, legal
issues and erratic employment histories — can be overwhelming," said Nathaniel
Fields, president and CEO of URI. "We are grateful for BBVA's collaboration in
bringing attention to this often unaddressed and underreported issue, and hope
to help our residents on their paths to establishing financially secure,
independent and safe futures."
Victims of abuse frequently face a double-edged sword — stay in, or return, to
domestic violence situations, or leave and risk facing crippling financial
insecurity. Seven out of eight women who go back to their abusers say they
return because of financial pressures they face as a result of economic abuse.
"I experienced harassment from the abuser so many times at work that I lost my
job and also lost my ability to be independent," said one survivor who's now
participating in URI's innovative Working Internship Network program, where
shelter residents shadow URI employees through an eight-week internship.
"Seeking shelter from domestic violence meant leaving everything behind. As I
rebuild my life at URI, I realize now more than ever the importance of
understanding my finances and gaining job skills that will help me get back on
my feet."
For tips on helping victims of economic abuse protect themselves, their
families and their financial futures, please visit
http://urinyc.org/domestic-violence/about-abuse/#economic.
About BBVA Group
BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a customer-centric global
financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a solid position in
Spain, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and has leading
franchises in South America and the Sunbelt region of the United States. Its
diversified business is geared toward high-growth markets and relies on
technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate
responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial
education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It
operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best
practices. The Group is present in the main sustainability indexes. More
information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.
About BBVA Compass
BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 684
branches, including 352 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 78 in Arizona, 62 in
California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass
ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market
share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and
Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the leading small
business lenders by the Small Business Administration and was recently awarded
the 2013 Celent Model Bank Award for its new core banking platform. Additional
information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com, by
following @BBVACompassNews on Twitter or visiting newsroom.bbvacompass.com.
Editor's Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank, Member FDIC.
About Urban Resource Institute
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a leading non-profit organization that
provides comprehensive, holistic, and supportive human services programs that
help individuals and families in the New York metropolitan area overcome
obstacles and better their lives. With a rich 34-year legacy of social service
research and expertise, deep community relationships, and a flexible,
innovative approach to program development and service delivery, URI is
uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting New York's
most vulnerable populations. URI's hands-on programs for victims of domestic
violence, the developmentally disabled, and people struggling with addiction
and substance abuse are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the
individual, while advocacy and community outreach initiatives build wider
visibility and support for the issues that have an impact on our clients'
quality of life and New York's urban communities. For more information, please
visit www.urinyc.org.
SOURCE BBVA Compass
Website: http://www.bbva.com
Contact: Contact details: Brittany Fish, Corporate Communications, BBVA
Compass, Tel. 713.831.5582, Brittany.fish@bbva.com, Follow @BBVACompassNews on
Twitter